Indie Authors Tell All

BAIPA

Welcome to Indie Authors Tell All, where authors take the mic. Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) members and those who help us publish and sell our books. We dig into the challenges and successes of independent publishing—writing, publishing, and promoting—from the people making it happen. We're a community that can help you along this path, avoiding expensive mistakes, and becoming successful authors.   We’re here to shine a light on the real-world challenges and successes in independent publishing — straight from the people making it happen. We know from our collective decades of experience, that indie publishing may be independent but it requires a team effort. Finding your resources — like this podcast or like Independent Book Publisher Associations, can save you years of time and thousands of dollars. Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (or BAIPA) members and industry professionals who are shaping the future of publishing and redefining what it means to go indie.

  1. Aug 5

    From Photography to Advocacy: Interview with Nita Winter & Rob Badger

    In this episode, Becky welcomes authors Nita Winter and Rob Badger to discuss their extraordinary journey of self-publishing. What began as a 30-year passion for photographing California's wildflowers evolved into a prestigious award-winning coffee table book: Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change. Nita and Rob share the raw, real-world details of the independent publishing path—from the challenges of managing a diverse group of 16 professional essayists to the logistical complexities of overseas printing and high-quality book design. Highlights include: The Power of Control: Why they chose independent publishing over traditional routes to maintain creative vision and content sequencing. Collaborative Success: How they partnered with organizations like the California Native Plant Society and professional designers to elevate their work. Breaking Barriers through Accessibility: An inspiring look at their groundbreaking project to create an image-described audiobook, making the beauty of nature accessible to the visually impaired community. Lessons Learned: The importance of marketing, the realities of long-term production timelines, and the value of finding the right professional "fit" for your team. Whether you are a photographer looking to publish a collection or an author navigating the complexities of multi-author projects, Nita and Rob’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, passion, and the power of community. 🔗 Relevant Links Visit the Authors: wildflowerbooks.com Join the Community: BAIPA.org (Bay Area Independent Publishers Association) Watch the video of this episode #️⃣ Hashtags #IndiePublishing #SelfPublishing #WildflowerPhotography #ClimateChangeAwareness #AccessiblePublishing #IndieAuthors #BookDesign #NaturePhotography #BAIPA #IndieAuthorsTellAll

    From Photography to Advocacy: Interview with Nita Winter & Rob Badger
  2. Jul 22

    Redefining Creativity - Interview with Gini Graham Scott

    In this episode, Mike sits down with the incredibly prolific Gini Graham Scott to explore how she manages a massive, multi-disciplinary career spanning books, films, games, and music. Gini shares her unique philosophy of "playing life as a game" and demonstrates how she uses cutting-edge AI tools to streamline her creative process—from generating book illustrations and brainstorming chapter outlines to developing game mechanics. We dive deep into the practicalities of being a "Creative Director" of your own life, managing a global team of virtual assistants, and navigating the ethical complexities of AI in the modern publishing landscape. In this episode, you’ll learn about: Multi-Stream Creativity: How to tie different mediums (writing, gaming, film, music) together into a cohesive brand. AI as a Tool: Practical ways to use AI for research, illustrations, and overcoming writer's block without losing your personal voice. Time Management & Delegation: How to manage multiple projects simultaneously by segmenting time and leveraging virtual assistants. The Business of Indie Publishing: Insights into using platforms like Amazon, ACX, and SongTrader to monetize various creative outputs. Connect with Gini: Main Website: https://www.changemakerspublishingandwriting.com/ Watch the video of this episode About the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA): Looking for community, guidance, and professional growth? BAIPA is a volunteer-run educational community dedicated to the art and business of independent publishing.  Website: BAIPA.org   #IndiePublishing #AuthorLife #AIinWriting #CreativeEntrepreneur #SelfPublishing #BAIPA #IndieAuthors #WritingCommunity #Gamification

    Redefining Creativity - Interview with Gini Graham Scott
  3. Jul 8

    Forgiveness through Authorship - Interview with Carolyn CJ Jones

    In this episode, Becky sits down with BAIPA member and author Carolyn C.J. Jones to discuss her transformative journey through writing, publishing, and personal healing. Carolyn shares the fascinating origin of her pen name and dives into the creative process behind her books: the poetic imagery of Opening the Gates of the Heart, the life-changing lessons in The Art of Forgiveness, and her recent memoir, Beyond Childhood Trauma. Beyond the personal stories, Carolyn offers invaluable insights into the realities of independent publishing—from the importance of establishing a searchable brand to the challenges of marketing and the life-saving benefits of joining a community like the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA). Whether you are an author looking for encouragement or a reader seeking a path toward peace and healing, this conversation offers profound inspiration on how storytelling can facilitate deep personal transformation. Key Topics: Branding as an Author: Why Googling your name is a vital first step. The Creative Spark: How journaling and photography merged to create evocative verse. The Path to Peace: Moving from victimhood to forgiveness using the "Yippee Method." Navigating the Indie Landscape: The role of community and continuous learning in publishing and marketing.   Author Website: carolyncjjones.com BAIPA (Bay Area Independent Publishers Association): baipa.org Audiobooks: amplifyaudiobooks.com Watch the video of this interview on YouTube #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #Forgiveness #PersonalTransformation #AuthorLife #BAIPA #IndiePublishing #HealingThroughWriting #Memoir

    Forgiveness through Authorship - Interview with Carolyn CJ Jones

About

Welcome to Indie Authors Tell All, where authors take the mic. Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) members and those who help us publish and sell our books. We dig into the challenges and successes of independent publishing—writing, publishing, and promoting—from the people making it happen. We're a community that can help you along this path, avoiding expensive mistakes, and becoming successful authors.   We’re here to shine a light on the real-world challenges and successes in independent publishing — straight from the people making it happen. We know from our collective decades of experience, that indie publishing may be independent but it requires a team effort. Finding your resources — like this podcast or like Independent Book Publisher Associations, can save you years of time and thousands of dollars. Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (or BAIPA) members and industry professionals who are shaping the future of publishing and redefining what it means to go indie.